As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. These narratives delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The best stories
